Patents by Inventor Christopher G. Howard

Christopher G. Howard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Pixel structure having an umbrella type absorber with one or more recesses or channels sized to increase radiation absorption
    Patent number: 7622717
    Abstract: A pixel structure for use in an infrared imager is provided. The pixel structure includes a substrate and a bolometer. The bolometer includes a transducer that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the substrate and has an electrical resistance that varies in response to changes in the temperature of the transducer. The bolometer also includes an absorber that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the transducer and has a thermal connection to the transducer permitting radiation absorbed by the absorber to heat the transducer. The absorber has a top side defining a recess or channel in the absorber. The recess or channel is adapted to effect the propagation path of a portion of radiation received by the absorber such that the radiation portion is absorbed by the absorber rather than exiting the absorber. The recess or channel also decreases the thermal mass of the bolometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Skidmore, Christopher G. Howard
  • PIXEL STRUCTURE HAVING AN UMBRELLA TYPE ABSORBER WITH ONE OR MORE RECESSES OR CHANNELS SIZED TO INCREASE RADIATION ABSORPTION
    Publication number: 20090140147
    Abstract: A pixel structure for use in an infrared imager is provided. The pixel structure includes a substrate and a bolometer. The bolometer includes a transducer that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the substrate and has an electrical resistance that varies in response to changes in the temperature of the transducer. The bolometer also includes an absorber that has a spaced apart relationship with respect to the transducer and has a thermal connection to the transducer permitting radiation absorbed by the absorber to heat the transducer. The absorber has a top side defining a recess or channel in the absorber. The recess or channel is adapted to effect the propagation path of a portion of radiation received by the absorber such that the radiation portion is absorbed by the absorber rather than exiting the absorber. The recess or channel also decreases the thermal mass of the bolometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: George D. Skidmore, Christopher G. Howard